Episode 66: Reading wars, with Rob Randel

A Guardian report on a study into phonics has reignited the debate about approaches to reading in the early years. Jane and Fin welcome back special guest Rob Randel to discuss the controversy - is the focus on phonics “failing children”? Rob is a primary school teacher in Wales and a committee member of the Reading Reform Foundation. 

Guardian article: Focus on phonics to teach reading is ‘failing children’, says landmark study. 

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/jan/19/focus-on-phonics-to-teach-reading-is-failing-children-says-landmark-study 

Greg Ashman’s rebuttal blog: Has synthetic phonics been demolished? 

https://fillingthepail.substack.com/p/has-synthetic-phonics-been-demolished?s=03 

Dr Jennifer Buckingham’s rebuttal blog: Groundhog day for reading instruction. 

https://fivefromfive.com.au/blog/groundhog-day-for-reading-instruction/ 

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Hosts: Finola Wilson and Jane Miller 

Producer: Darren Evans 

Visit us at: www.impact.wales 

Music: Power Shutoff by Craig MacArthur